After just one season as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for DePaul, former Iowa women’s basketball star guard Kathleen Doyle has been named a Thirty Under 30 honoree by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA).
According to the WBCA, the Thirty Under 30 program recognizes 30 up-and-coming women’s basketball coaches under 30 at all levels of the game. Each honoree named has exemplified a commitment to community service, mentorship, impact on others, professional conduct, and involvement in professional organizations.
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In her first year with the Blue Demons, Doyle made an immediate impact, working primarily with DePaul’s guards while also leading its recruiting efforts. Doyle helped guide junior guard Kate Novik to second-team All-Big East honors after averaging a team-high 12.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
“We are thrilled the WBCA has chosen to honor Kathleen Doyle as part of its Thirty Under 30 program,” said DePaul head coach Jill M. Pizzotti. “Kathleen’s basketball knowledge and insight, on-court energy, tireless work ethic, and willingness to share her talents daily have made a significant impact on our staff. Coach ‘KD’ is a rising star and well deserving of this recognition.”
Before joining DePaul’s staff this past year, Doyle started her coaching career at Virginia Tech by serving one season as Director of Recruiting and Player Personnel. In addition to her collegiate coaching duties, Doyle is currently serving a four-year term on the United States Junior National Team Committee through 2029.
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During her four-year collegiate playing career at Iowa from 2016-20, the 5-foot-9 native of LaGrange Park, Ill., was a standout for the Hawkeyes, averaging 12.5 points, 5.7 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game on 40.5% shooting across 114 starts in 123 games played.
Doyle’s career-high average of 18.1 points per game on 44.1% shooting earned her the 2020 Big Ten Player of the Year award, which added to a collection of distinctions throughout her career that included Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors (2017), two-time first-team All-Big Ten honors (2019, 2020), Associated Press and USBWA third-team All-American honors (2020), and WBCA Coaches’ All-American honors (2020).
Doyle would be chosen by the Indiana Fever with the No. 14 overall selection in the 2020 WNBA draft, where she would play just one season before heading overseas for the final two years of her playing career.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Former Iowa women’s basketball star named WBCA 30-under-30 honoree
